Here's a look at the big matchups and top storylines from around the nation as we begin another busy weekend of college basketball action:

The Big Buzz: Stauskas leading the way in Ann Arbor

With all the current hoopla surrounding the Wooden Award, it's easy to forget who captured college basketball's most coveted individual honor last year. That was Michigan's Trey Burke. And for that matter, it's easy to neglect the sexy names from the preseason -- like Michigan's Mitch McGary.

While Michigan State guard Gary Harris was the runaway favorite in the preseason for Big Ten player of the year, it's been his sophomore counterpart at Michigan who has set the pace in the early going of conference play. Fresh off pinning a combined 49 points on top-10 teams Wisconsin and Iowa, Michigan's Nik Stauskas has become the centerpiece of one of the nation's hottest teams. Shooting 49.5 percent from the field, 44 percent from three and 80 percent from the line, the six-foot-six sophomore's star has ascended as the lights of the Big Ten have shone brighter.

Michigan head coach John Beilein gestures from beside his bench, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Michigan won 75-67. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)Tony Ding

After eight straight wins, what was deemed a disastrous start suddenly looks surmountable for the Wolverines, who have lost to highly-ranked Iowa State, Duke and Arizona along with lowly Charlotte. Topping the Spartans in East Lansing would truly return Michigan to the national spotlight it so enjoyed last March. At the very least, it would continue a successful trend for the Ann Arbor crew against Sparta; the Woverines have won four of six in the series after dropping 18 of the previous 21.

"They punked us," the sophomore guard said Wednesday. "They came out from the very start and were more aggressive than we were. They were getting every loose ball, every rebound and throwing the ball in the post and we couldn't do anything about it."

"This team is capable of winning every game we play, especially with the hard work we put in every day," Robinson added. "I've never seen a group of guys come to practice ready to play with the will to get better every day.

"Some guys get complacent and relaxed when you win games, but this team comes with the right mindset. Every day."

"People are definitely settling into their roles and we're playing a lot better down the stretch. That's kind of what was getting us in the early-on games. Some of those tough losses we had earlier were kind of heartbreakers, but they help you down the stretch and that's what's happening right now for us."

Outside of Kansas, no team has impressed more this month than Michigan. Down forward Mitch McGary, the Wolverines (14-4, 6-0 Big Ten) have defeated Minnesota and Wisconsin on the road and now Iowa at home. Michigan owns six top-100 victories now, and Wednesday's 75-67 defeat of Iowa was the first of those to come in Ann Arbor.

Watch former Wolverines star and current ESPN analyst Jalen Rose give his take on the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry heading into tonight's game: (via MLive.com)

Top games

Here's a look at some of this weekend's can't-miss matchups involving teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25:

Michigan State guard Branden Dawson (22) shoots against Northwestern during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014. Michigan State won 54-40. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)Nam Huh

"There's never everything lost this early in the year. But we do have to have a sense of urgency ... I think (the line had to be drawn). We didn't do anything special, we didn't do anything that was earth-shattering. We just have a group of guys who have been through the battles."

This team lacks the offensive firepower to challenge Kansas for the Big 12 title - though the strides its made on offense and rebounding should not be dismissed - but the Longhorns have cemented their identity as a tough defensive team that deters opponents from scoring in the paint.

This isn't Donovan's best shooting team, but Florida has a veteran point guard in Scottie Wilbekin along with several proud veterans such as Casey Prather, Will Yeguete, and Patric Young. Expect the Gators to be in the conversation for a number one seed in a month. This team is Final Four good.

"The matchup has made a huge difference. It's a difficult defense because they have great size at every position and they've got a really good shot-blocker. I think Miami is as good defensively, or better, than any team in our league."

The sign of a great player is making adjustments. The ACC has brought tougher defenses, and Parker has shifted his role. The freshman is starting to work more down low. His size allows him to excel in the post...

...This won't be the last time Parker needs to make adjustments this season, but the fact that he seems to have hit his low point and bounced back is yet another reason why he could be the top selection come June.